5K Warrior Wipe Out to raise technology funds

August 30, 2013

BELOIT- The West Branch school board Thursday night set up a fund for an upcoming community event aimed at raising money for technology within the district.

Middle School Principal Roger Kitzmiller explained that the Warrior Wipe Out will be a 5K obstacle course featuring 10 different obstacles at the middle and high school campus. Proposed by a district parent, the event is scheduled for noon Oct. 5.

A committee has been formed to help organize the event, which will raise money for technology at all district buildings in addition to offering a time for community members to come together and have fun, Kitzmiller said.

In other business, the board approved a $10,000, two-year contract effective Sept. 1 with Goshen Township trustees providing the district with a school resource officer; agreement with Beloit for ambulance service for the 2013-2014 fall sports season at a rate of $75 per game; and a contract with Dr. Dwaine Everett of Everett Health Center Inc. for athletic safety coverage for the 2013-2014 school year.

The board also accepted donations of $500 from Linda Walker to the high school wrestling program, $500 from Kohl's to the Knox Elementary Principal Fund, $1,100 from the athletic boosters for a watering system and $304 from the athletic boosters for video editing.

Also at the meeting, schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Weingart reported that the district met 23 of 24 indicators on the local report card and earned a performance index in excess of 100, giving the district an A under the new ranking system.

Additionally resident Greg Gullett questioned the board's spending in reference to the upcoming .75 percent income tax, noting that the district graduated more students in 1968 with less than half the current staff size, attorney fees are piling up regarding an ongoing employment issue with a former teacher and extravagant musical productions that require additional costs for the district but the proceeds of which only go back to the music department.